Emma (M)’s Comments (group member since Dec 02, 2014)

Emma (M)’s comments from the Nothing But Reading Challenges group.

Kristin, how are you finding ? I just finished it and I just can't believe how beautiful the writing is. I never thought I would enjoy the magical realism genre, but I really loved this book.

Oh and I have completed the DQs for The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender

Book - The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender
Date - 16/4/15
Pages - 320 pages

A - Ava Lavender - character
C - Cardigan Cooper - character
R - Rowe Cooper - character

DQs for April 16th

22. I am interested in why Emelienne has been haunted by her siblings all her life. Do you think they are in purgatory of is there some other reason they stay with her?

23. I am finding Nathanial quite creepy given his obsession with Ava and their age difference. What do you think of Nathanial's diary entries about Ava?

24. Vivienne has finally realised ( thank goodness)that she has given up her life for a jerk. Do you think she will be able to fix things with Gabe now that he has another woman in his life?

25. With Henry's bad man and Vivienne's portent of doom, can you see this story having a happy ending? What do you think will happen?

Happy Birthday Renee!!!

Book - Tin Men: A Novel
Date - 15/4/15
Pages - 368

T - Tin Men - title
C - Christopher Golden - author
A - Alexa Day - character
R - Kazimir Rostov
P - Peter Mathesone

11. What I expected happened, after one final night Jack has left Viviane and she’s pregnant. This book touches on a lot of “adult” situations, more than I expected from a YA novel. What do you think are the situations presented a little much for YA? I do find the writing style softens the harshness a little, what about you?
It certainly isn't the usual YA book and I have found myself wondering how much appeal it would have for a younger audience, especially given a lot of the story has revolved around the characters growing well into adulthood.

12. Ava is born and with her came a surprise, twin brother Henry. Henry’s strangeness is a little less visible than Ava’s, what do you think is wrong with him?
I would say he is an autistic savant.

13. I’m still having trouble connecting with the story and the characters. It’s not the writing style I think, but mainly the characters and the way they react to things happening to them. They just seem to accept what has happened and do not fight for their happiness or their children. Any thoughts about this.
I agree to a certain extent, especially Vivienne sitting around waiting for Jack to come back to her.

14. John Griffiths gets what he deserves, his wife left him (or did she?) and he ends up in an asylum. Jack has returned with his rich wife, will he make contact with Viviane and their children?
I am not sure but surely the author wouldn't bring him back unless for some purpose. So far I am not very impressed with Jack and I wish Vivienne would move on with Gabe.

15. What do you think of the relationship Gabe has with Ava and Henry? It seems to me he is more of a parent to them then Viviane is, he seems concerned about their troubles and helping them. What do you think of the way he tries to do that?
I like Gabe, I think he has provided the children with a father figure in the absence of their biological father.

Comments and Questions for April 13
Chapters 3-7

6) Now that you've read a few chapters, what's your opinion on the writing style? How about the magical realism? I am really loving the writing style, it's quite beautiful and melancholy. I am surprised that I don't mind the magical realism as I wouldn't have thought it was something that I would like, but it is.

7) Wilhelmina says that the reason people won't buy Emilienne's bread is because they feel the death that surrounds her. Any thoughts on this? And how did Wilhelmina know, anyway? Poor Emilienne, I imagine that she does carry her losses around with her, it would be hard not to after so many. I think Wilhelmina is a bit of a guardian angel for Emilienne and somewhat all knowing.

8) Emilienne and Viviane don't have much of a relationship. Is this still because Emilienne is afraid to love? Is it just me, or does Viviane not seem to care that she and her mother aren't close?
I think it is definitely because Emilienne is afraid to love again and I can't really blame her. I think she still cares though and Vivienne knows this, which is why she doesn't seem to let it affect her.

9) What's your opinion on John Griffith and how he treats his family? Do you think he's secretly in love with Emilienne?
I think he is a very unhappy man who takes it out on the people around him. He is a total bully and hates the fact that he obviously has lustful feelings for Emilienne but can't have her.

10) The solstice party and the encounter with Jack in the garden had a very surreal quality to it. Do you think there's a deeper connection between what happened and the history of the house (the girl who never ages and her brother who plans extravagant, sensual solstice parties)?
I am not sure about this one as I didn't pick up a connection. I just found the encounter between Jack and Vivienne sad, my heart broke for her.

Yep, May is good for me too.

Yeah, I just finished chapter 8 as we are on day 2 of the BOM. I wanted to keep reading but since I have to do DQs I will keep with their schedule - it's easier that way. So far it's really good though - beautiful writing, very different.

Is anyone else reading the current book of the month The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender? It's really quite beautiful and I would say melancholy. I have already teared up and we are only 8 chapters in.

Elise wrote: "Juliana wrote: "I already started the book, and the writing is quite beautiful."

I thought the exact same thing! It's definitely unique already, and the writing is very eloquent."

It is very unusual and has taken me by surprise. I agree that the writing is beautiful and I am really looking forward to seeing where the story goes. It seems to be quite a mystical world that's for sure.

Srividya, I've started listening to The Invention of Wings on audiobook and I am absolutely loving it. Thanks for the recommend :)

I'll be up for a Manwhore BR :)

Snowtulip wrote: "Emma, will Where All Light Tends to Go make me cry???

It's next on my library audios, but I have a feeling it might take me to the crying space??"

It might lead to a tear or two ST, it's certainly not a happy go lucky tale.

Yay V!!!! Let us know what you decide on :)

Lol Kristin

Ok, couldn't help myself - I went and got . Damn Audible, I promised myself I wouldn't buy anything this fortnight but then they go and have a sale!

Oh I was looking at just yesterday and I might go and take another look because it is tempting me.

I also went a bit nuts on audible yesterday and got:

and .
I went through some of your shelves and took a look at your five star reads to get some ideas :)

Greta wrote: "Do we have the Orange book covered?"

I have this book I am happy to read Greta. I can start it after the one I am currently reading, unless someone else has one they were planning on reading?